Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 July 2012
275 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who must currently comply with Garda registration under Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001;the number of persons currently in breach of conditions under this part of the Act; the corresponding figures on a Garda divisional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35918/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sex Offenders Act 2001 contains a comprehensive series of provisions aimed at protecting children and other persons. Part 2 of the Act makes persons convicted of a range of sexual offences subject to notification requirements. The provisions of the Act also extend to any offenders convicted abroad of the same range of sexual offences who enter the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, to 12 July, 2012, there were 1,204 persons subject to the requirements of Part 2 of the Act. I am also informed that there have been 33 prosecutions for offences contrary to Part 2 of the Act to date in 2012. At an operational level, it is not Garda policy to provide such information on a Divisional basis or in a manner that might lead to the identification of individuals.
All offenders subject to the notification requirements are monitored by the Sex Offender Management and Intelligence Unit (SOMIU) at the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The Unit is supported by Garda Inspectors nominated in each Garda Division throughout the State. I am confident that the appropriate level of monitoring is carried out by An Garda Síochána and that all breaches of the requirements which come to notice are pursued.
